While strolling down Warren Street in Hudson, one tends to notice the immaculate Federal-style buildings and polished storefronts. But turn a corner and a different layer of the past emerges: decaying, abandoned graffiti barns; plywood-patched garages covered in layers of paint; stark, rundown alleyways with inexplicable beauty. "It creates a wonderful patina over time to see all of the decay and then repair and then decay, and a lot of times things just fall down eventually," says photographer Lisa Durfee.
Durfee has been documenting Hudson's shabby-chic barns and forgotten alleyways since the early 2000s. A Hudson local for 17 years, she is entranced by the parallel landscapes the city offers. "It's been an interesting ride watching Hudson change," Durfee comments as she reflects on the alleys beside and behind her house, whose historic character and funky charm have provided her inspiration throughout the years.
Lisa Durfee's photographs are currently being shown as part of the "No Parking: The Alleys and Garages of Hudson" exhibit at the Hudson Opera House, alongside photos by William Hellermann and Peter Spear. The show will be on display until Sunday, February 19. (518) 828-1438.
